Federal Education Grants

This grant provides funding to local Tanzanian organizations to improve foundational literacy and numeracy for students in grades 1 to 5 through a targeted instruction approach that focuses on individual learning levels.

Executive Summary: The U.S. Department of States Embassy Ashgabat announces an open competition to implement a program focused on building the capacity of higher educational institutions in Turkmenistan to carry out short- and long-term bilateral exchanges, offer dual-degree programs, conduct and commercialize research, obtain international accreditation, and other activities directed at supporting ongoing educational reform in Turkmenistan. The ultimate goal of the projects is to enable Turkmenistan to become an active member of the global education community, and a viable partner in international exchanges, with an eventual opening of a U.S. branch university in Turkmenistan. The initial timeline for these activities is one year, with the possibility of extension. Please follow all instructions below. Background: Turkmenistan is a post-Soviet state of roughly 5 million people (official statistic) that gained its independence in 1991. The Ministry of Education oversees all educational institutions from kindergarten to university. Turkmenistan has implemented several educational reforms within the last 10-15 years, mostly introducing new subjects to schools and universities (such as those from the STEM field), increasing the use of technology in teaching (such as smartboards and laptops) and adapting textbooks and materials to make them fit better within Turkmenistans context. However, the centralized structure of the education system has not changed significantly, with universities continuing to offer highly structured five-year specialist degrees that fall somewhere between bachelors and masters degrees on the western scale. Under the current system, students play a limited role in crafting their own educational process and/or degree. When students matriculate to university, they do so by declaring their chosen specialization. In fact, they dont apply to the university as a whole; they apply to a specific department. Once accepted, they have no option to drop classes or switch majors. Students also do not choose which classes to take a specific major has a set list of classes. These rules severely limit students academic opportunities and affect future professional opportunities. In the last few years, the Ministry of Education has stated its intention modernize Turkmenistans education system, which include several stated priorities: a) Launching a dual degree program together with a U.S. university (bachelors or masters); b) Obtaining international accreditation; c) Establishing a branch of a U.S. university in its capital, Ashgabat; d) Gradually moving all universities to the Western, credit-based system. Turkmenistans government is very eager to begin work on these goals and is interested in assistance from U.S. universities in providing expertise and guidance on conducting these large-scale overhauls. The Public Diplomacy Section has worked closely with the Ministry of Education to develop a road map to bring Turkmenistans education system closer to the U.S. model, as well as signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Government of Turkmenistan on cooperation in the education sector. The MOU and the road map lay out concrete steps, including inviting U.S. experts on internationalization and education reform, and are some of the first actions that Embassy has taken, together with the Ministry of Education, to help Turkmenistan reach its stated goals. Through the projects described in this NOFO, the Embassy would like to develop a realistic road map to overhaul the education system, bringing it closer to Western standards and accreditation, and eventual establishment of a U.S. university branch campus in the capital city of Ashgabat. The initial project duration is one year, but will most likely be extended, as the envisioned task is multi-pronged and will likely require more than 12 months. Project Audience(s): Turkmenistans higher education institutions (HEIs), including universities and institutes, as well as the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan Project Goal: Improve access to quality higher education opportunities in Turkmenistan through adoption of best practices by Turkmen higher education institutions Project Objectives: Objective 1: Increase understanding of internationalization requirements for universities, the U.S. education system, and best practices among Ministry of Education officials and higher education representatives through training, workshops, and/or short-term exchanges to the United States. o Topics may include: how to establish dual degree and joint degree programs, accreditation requirements, opening branch campuses, etc. Objective 2: Conduct a general analysis of Turkmenistans education system and create a road map that provides clear recommendations to the Ministry of Education on the practical steps needed to advance educational reforms. Objective 3: Establish a working group of Turkmen Ministry of Education officials and higher education representatives to facilitate collaboration and implementation of recommendations aimed at modernizing and internationalizing the higher education system in Turkmenistan.

This funding opportunity supports alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs in Namibia to implement innovative projects that promote social change in their communities.

Each funding opportunity description is a synopsis of information in the Federal Register application notice. For specific information about eligibility, please see the official application notice. The official version of this document is the document published in the Federal Register. Free Internet access to the official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations is available on GPO Access at: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/index.html. Please review the official application notice for pre-application and application requirements, application submission information, performance measures, priorities and program contact information. For the addresses for obtaining and submitting an application, please refer to our Revised Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs, published in the Federal Register on December 7, 2022. Purpose of Program: In awarding research grants, the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) intends to provide national leadership in expanding knowledge and understanding of (1) education outcomes for all learners from early childhood education through postsecondary and adult education, and (2) employment and wage outcomes when relevant (such as for those engaged in career and technical, postsecondary, or adult education). The IES research grant programs are designed to provide interested individuals and the general public with reliable and valid information about education practices that support learning and improve academic achievement and access to education opportunities for all learners. These interested individuals include parents, educators, learners, researchers, and policymakers. In carrying out its grant programs, IES provides support for programs of research in areas of demonstrated national need. Competitions in This Notice: The IES National Center for Education Research (NCER) is announcing two competitions--one competition in each of the following areas: using longitudinal data to support State education policymaking and transformative research in the education sciences. Using Longitudinal Data to Support State Education Policymaking (ALN 84.305S). Under this competition, NCER will only consider applications that address State agencies use of their States education longitudinal data systems to identify and reduce opportunity and achievement gaps for learners from prekindergarten through adult education. Transformative Research in the Education Sciences (ALN 84.305T). Through this program, IES seeks to support innovative research that has the potential to make dramatic advances towards solving seemingly intractable problems and challenges in the education field and/or to accelerate the pace of conducting education research to facilitate major breakthroughs. For the FY 2025 competition, the Transformative Research in the Education Sciences grant program will focus on accelerating learning and reducing persistent education inequities by leveraging evidence-based principles from the learning sciences, coupled with advanced technology to create high-reward, scalable technology solutions. Multiple Submissions: You may submit applications to more than one of the FY 2025 research grant programs offered through the Department, including those offered through IES as well as those offered through other offices and programs within the Department. You may submit multiple applications to each IES grant program announced here as long as they address different key issues, programs, or policies. However, you may submit a given application only once for the IES FY 2025 grant competitions, meaning you may not submit the same application or similar applications to multiple grant programs within IES, to multiple topics within a grant competition, or multiple times within the same topic. If you submit multiple similar applications, IES will determine whether and which applications will be accepted for review and/or will be eligible for funding. In addition, if you submit the same or similar application to IES and to another funding entity within or external to the Department and receive funding for the non-IES application prior to IES scientific peer review of applications, you must withdraw the same or similar application submitted to IES, or IES may otherwise determine you are ineligible to receive an award. If reviews are happening concurrently, IES staff will consult with the other potential funder to determine the degree of overlap and which entity will provide funding if both applications are being considered for funding. Exemption from Proposed Rulemaking: Under section 191 of the Education Sciences Reform Act, 20 U.S.C. 9581, IES is not subject to section 437(d) of the General Education Provisions Act, 20 U.S.C. 1232(d), and is therefore not required to offer interested parties the opportunity to comment on matters relating to grants. Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 9501 et seq. Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.305T.

This funding opportunity supports researchers exploring the use of microorganisms, like bacteria and viruses, to develop innovative methods for cancer imaging, diagnosis, and treatment.

The Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network for Biologics (BPN-Biologics) provides support for biologic-based therapeutic discovery and development, from lead optimization through phase I clinical testing. This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) supports preclinical discovery and development of potential therapeutic Biotechnology Products and Biologics including, but not limited to, large biologic macromolecules, (e.g., proteins, antibodies, and peptides), gene-based therapies (i.e., oligonucleotide- and viral-based), cell therapies, and novel emerging therapies (e.g., microbial and microbiome therapies). Applicants will collaborate with NIH-funded consultants and can augment their project with NIH contract research organizations (CROs) that specialize in manufacturing, scaling, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, and Phase I clinical testing. BPN-Biologics awardee institutions retain their assignment of IP rights and gain assignment of IP rights from the BPN-Biologics contractors (and thereby control the patent prosecution and licensing negotiations) for biotherapeutic candidates developed in this program.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Tribal Colleges and Universities for planning initiatives that transition their campuses to clean energy solutions.

This funding opportunity supports creative projects that promote engagement, education, and collaboration between the United States and the communities of Mauritius and Seychelles.

This funding opportunity supports alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs in Equatorial Guinea to implement community projects that address global challenges, focusing on areas like sustainable tourism, agriculture, and biodiversity.

This funding opportunity supports researchers in developing and testing innovative devices for diagnosing and treating disorders of the nervous system through small clinical studies and safety assessments.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to four selected universities and colleges to enhance cybersecurity education and workforce development initiatives, aiming to strengthen the nation's cybersecurity workforce.

This grant provides funding for researchers to explore how diet and lipid metabolism influence tumor growth and progression, encouraging innovative studies that connect nutrition science with cancer biology.

The U.S. Embassy's Public Diplomacy and Political Sections in The Bahamas announces an open competition for not-for-profit, non-governmental, public international, and governmental organizations to submit applications to carry out a program aimed at increasing womens involvement in politics and, in turn, increasing support for democratic policies that support womens equal rights. The program seeks to educate, mentor, and empower girls and women to advocate for democratic principles and increased political participation. The ultimate goal is to foster increased civic participation to advocate for legislative changes that improve the rights of women in The Bahamas and to encourage greater engagement by women, both as mentors and mentees, in the 2026 electoral process.

This grant provides funding for small-scale cancer research projects that can be completed in two years, aimed at supporting innovative studies and methodologies in various areas of cancer research.

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Consulate General Frankfurt of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a virtual alumni professional development and networking program over a minimum of a 24-month period. The goal of this program is to involve alumni with diverse interests by offering a broad range of activities such as speaker programs, trainings, and educational opportunities. Through the proposed programming, alumni of U.S. government-funded and U.S. government-sponsored programs will be able to connect with each other and enhance their professional development. Successful applicants should have the capacity to organize virtual events, design and implement specialized programs like mentoring initiatives, and conduct Training of Trainers (ToT) programs to equip alumni with facilitation skills. Additionally, we encourage applicants to demonstrate creativity in designing online engagement strategies, fostering entrepreneurship, and promoting creative thinking and problem solving through initiatives like incubators or accelerators. Maintaining connections with the alumni community through effective communication strategies is also essential for a successful proposal. All aspects of this program will be virtual (online) and conducted in English. There will be no in-person programming. Please follow all instructions below. A.1. Priority Region: Eurasia A.2: Program Objectives: Objective 1 Provide USG alumni the opportunity to access information, resources, and networks that will allow them to leverage the skills and experiences gained through their exchanges. Provide skill-building and networking opportunities for alumni of programs including, but not limited to: PFP, YEAR, FLEX, IVLP, Fulbright, Atlas Corps, SABIT, SUSI, Humphrey. Provide professional development opportunities through mentorship programs, networking events and other activities that allow alumni to connect, share experiences, and leverage skills gained through the exchange programs to enable them to have successful careers and give back to their home communities. Examples of activities that could be proposed include: sessions with U.S. subject matter experts, professional development courses offered by commercial training companies, online events for networking, mini-courses or series of events of a single topic designed to increase knowledge over time, and sessions proposed and led by the alumni in their own fields of expertise. Alumni of all USG sponsored programs in Eurasia, both virtual and in-person programs, will be included in programming. Objective 2 Support alumni-driven initiatives that foster greater contact between alumni of U.S. government programs, strengthen local communities, and promote mutual understanding. The recipient of the award will work with the Embassy to establish an alumni council to act as an advisory body for the programming offered under this award. The council will provide guidance and recommendations on themes and content of programming to ensure it aligns with alumni needs. This involves personalized guidance, strategic planning, and support to create initiatives that foster growth, networking, and collaboration among alumni. Applicants should detail their experience, if any, working with, facilitating, and/or supporting boards and/or advisory councils, especially during the inception phase. Applicants should propose a process for alumni to apply to serve on the council, council roles and responsibilities, and outline their vision for working collaboratively with the board once it is established. In addition, the applicant could propose a training program for new council members. Council members will be chosen in collaboration with Department of State staff. Objective 3 Empower alumni to enhance their skills and knowledge, providing support and resources through the Alumni Continuing Education Fund. This aspect of the program should empower the alumni community to continue their education and enhance their skills by providing financial support (ie: scholarships) to cover the costs of online courses at U.S. universities, community colleges, and/or professional schools. Applicants should propose a plan for the administration of this aspect of the program, which could include but is not limited to: providing a pre-selected list of courses at various institutions to alumni, advising alumni on how to select and apply for courses on their own, establishing an application process for alumni to request funding, creating a screening process to evaluate requests and to select participants, facilitating payments to U.S.-based educational institutions, and collecting feedback on programs and the administration of the fund. The Department of State will assist the grantee in the identification and evaluation of potential recipients for the fund's benefits. A.3. Program Guidelines: As this will be a cooperative agreement, the Department of State will have substantial involvement in this effort above and beyond routine grants monitoring including: Approval of program themes, speakers, and programs agendas Selection of alumni council members; final approval of council governing documents Distribution of information and event announcements to the alumni community Approval of the selection of special program participants and scholarship fund recipients. In addition, successful applicants should demonstrate the following: The capability to organize and host regular virtual events in various formats, with a focus on professional development, and an average attendance exceeding 30 participants. Proficiency in developing and implementing complex and interactive programs designed to facilitate knowledge sharing. For example, a six-month mentoring program tailored to skill development and professional growth among members of the alumni community, where seasoned professionals or experienced alumni serve as mentors, offering guidance, advice, and support to mentees who are seeking to advance their careers, navigate professional challenges, or explore new opportunities. The capacity to organize and oversee a comprehensive Training of Trainers (ToT) program, engaging up to 40 USG Alumni. The program should equip participants with the essential skills and knowledge required to step into the role of facilitator, ensuring they can deliver sessions through this grant that are both engaging and informative for fellow alumni. Experience designing activities, including initiatives like incubators or accelerators, aimed at fostering entrepreneurship. Creativity in devising innovative online engagement strategies, extending beyond conventional virtual speaker sessions. The ability to develop innovative methods for alumni to connect and engage with each other virtually, fostering networking, collaboration, and relationship-building within the alumni network through digital platforms and activities. In cooperation with the Department of State, the capacity to establish an alumni council with active members drawn from various alumni backgrounds, representing a diversity of programs and geographical locations. The council will act as an advisory body for the programming. The ability to maintain connections with the alumni community, leveraging modern communication tools to keep them informed and engaged. The applicant should propose platforms and tools they will use to engage with alumni, foster relationships, and share updates, events, and relevant information with the alumni network. A.4: Participants and Audiences: For the purposes of this program, participants are defined as individuals from Eurasia who have completed a U.S. government-funded or U.S. government-facilitated exchange program. The alumni community is diverse, ranging from university students to senior faculty members and influential opinion leaders and ranging in age from 20-70. Almost all speak excellent English and applicants should propose to conduct programming solely in English. Should an applicant have the capacity to conduct programming or provide support in Russian, that should be detailed in the proposal and will strengthen the application. Applicants should aim to include individuals from a variety of exchange programs and ensure the interests of all groups are served, including those at high levels in education, business, and civil society. Applicants should be capable of providing programming that occurs at convenient times for professionals in Eurasian time zones, with the knowledge that not all programs will be offered at convenient times for all participants. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: 24 months (October 1, 2024 September 30, 2026) Number of awards anticipated: 1 award Award amounts: up to $400,000.00 Total available funding: $400,000.00, pending availability of funds Type of Funding: FY 2023-2024 Assistance for Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia (AEECA) under the Foreign Assistance Act Anticipated program start date: October 1, 2024 This notice is subject to availability of funding. Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreement: The Department of State will have substantial involvement in the implementation of this award and will coordinate closely with the implementer to ensure programs are adapted accordingly and as needed. The award recipient will be in regular communication with the Embassy to develop program ideas, plan strategically, and report on the progress of the programs. Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in a minimum of 24 months. U.S. The Department of State may consider continuation of the cooperative agreement funded under this award beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.

This funding opportunity supports researchers working to identify and address health and healthcare disparities affecting sexual and gender minority populations, particularly those from racial/ethnic minority and lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations to improve access to vocational rehabilitation and independent living services for individuals with disabilities and their families, particularly those from underserved communities.

This grant provides funding for research centers to improve gifted education and explore the use of generative artificial intelligence in postsecondary instruction, targeting partnerships between higher education institutions and state educational agencies.

The U.S. Embassy Dushanbe, Tajikistan announces an open competition opportunity to implement the English Without Borders (EWB) project in Tajikistan. The EWB project has a number of components and objectives highlighted in this funding opportunity to support English teachers through (1) providing professional development and peer- to- peer engagement and networking; (2) equipping secondary school teachers with modern teaching methodologies, and (3) utilizing the newly designed and published English textbooks. The implementer must be a legally recognized non-governmental organization, that meets U.S. and Tajikistan technical and legal requirements to develop and implement Public Diplomacy Programs as specified in Section C. Background: English Without Borders (EWB) is a project funded by the U.S. Embassy in Tajikistan and implemented since 2021, providing support to English teachers across all regions in Tajikistan. The current EWB project will conclude December 2024; this year PDS seeks to consolidate some English Language Programs under one umbrellanamely continuing EWB networking-type activities, but also providing more targeted support for secondary school (high school) English teachers to use modern teaching methods as well as the new English language textbook. EWB unites English language teachers and students at all levels, supporting them through peer-to-peer networking, the development of pedagogical materials, online and in-person training sessions, and train-the-trainer programs. These online and in-person activities develop teachers capacity to employ modern, student-centric methodologies and design supplementary materials. The U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe has an ambitious slate of English language projects, many in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science. These efforts support Tajikistans strategy on improving English language learning by 2030 and President Rahmons 2024 statement on learning foreign languages, including English. While the number of students interested in learning English is on the rise, the number of teachers qualified and prepared to teach them is not. This is due to the relatively sudden increase in the number of classes offered, the relatively recent emergence of English as a foreign language -- resulting in few professional teachers with a specialization in English -- and an insufficient number of English teachers. U.S. Embassy English language programs range from secondary school teacher training programs and providing English language textbooks to English Access Scholarship programs and supporting universities with English Resource Centers and English Language Fellows. In its new iteration, EWB should continue to complement and expand their collaboration with other PDS-funded projects and their participants. Due to the demand for the U.S. Embassy Dushanbes English language programs, the EWB network should continue to utilize its platforms to reach teachers across the country. EWB should continue to expand its partnership with other governmental, non-governmental, private, and international organizations to support a sustainable network for English teachers and students and provide access to learning resources, including collaboration with TESOL International Association, the English-Speaking Nation Project in Uzbekistan, and English Teachers Associations in Dushanbe and across Central Asia. The expected date range for implementation of project is December 1, 2024, to December 1, 2026. Please follow the instructions below for the application. Project Goal: Develop a network of English language educators and educational institutions across Tajikistan to deliver high-quality and effective English language instruction. Project Audience(s): Direct Audience Approximately 4,000 secondary school English teachers of Tajikistan Teachers at higher education institutions teaching in English (English language and other subjects) Tajikistan English Teachers Association members USG English-language program alumni (Fulbright TEA, FLTA, ETM, OPEN online course, SUSI, Access Scholarship programs) Institute of Professional Development members EWB members Project Objectives: Objectives: Objective 1: Increase participation of English language educators from educational institutions, particularly secondary schools, in rural areas of the DRS, Gorno-Badakhshan, Khatlon, and Sughd regions by 10% each year. Objective 2: Increase the ability of secondary school teachers from rural areas (DRS, Gorno Badakhshan, Khatlon, Sughd regions) to use modern teaching methods with the new English language textbook through comprehensive training conducted by EWB regional trainers and mini grants. Objective 3: Increase the number of EWB initiatives implemented at schools, universities and institutions, and local communities in urban and rural areas through .... Objective 4: Increase knowledge sharing between USG English language program alumni and non-alumni English language educators through mentorship programs. Objective 5: Strengthen collaboration and knowledge sharing practices between English teacher associations and English teacher networks in Central Asian countries, including Tajikistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Objective 6: Identify avenues for collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Sciences Institute of Professional Development (IPD), such as joint research, curriculum, or teacher training programs. Activities: Hold an annual leadership development program to support proactive English teachers in the regions to take on new initiatives and cooperate with the EWB regional representatives in promoting EWB activities at schools and in local communities. Create a team of EWB leaders/ambassadors in each of the four regions to hold weekly professional development and capacity building events and organize annual regional meetings. Strengthen the community of USG English language alumni in the regions (Fulbright TEA, FLTA, ETM, OPEN online course, SUSI, FLEX, Access Scholarship programs) and develop mentorship programs in each region to engage the alumni in different EWB activities and events, and to act as mentors to other (non-alumni) English teachers. Sustain dynamic work and explore new avenues for collaboration with the Institute of Professional Development (IPD) under the Ministry of Education and Science. Strengthen and expand upon our partnership with English teacher associations and English teachers networks in Central Asian countries through national and international online collaborative events and activities. Train teachers to use the new English language textbooks, for example through the EWB regional trainers activities and EWB mini grant.

The Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S Embassy in Azerbaijan is pleased to announce an open competition for Azerbaijani alumni of U.S. exchange programs to submit applications to implement a series of Alumni capacity building and networking events under the Alumni Outreach and Capacity Building Fund. The activities should take place over calendar years 2024 and 2025. Proposals should include the below components: Alumni Capacity Building: A series of training sessions, bootcamps, or seminars on soft skills development and community engagement. Youth Alumni Training: An in-person training and networking program in Azerbaijan for recently returned youth alumni to build their skills and remain engaged with Embassy and alumni network. Annual Alumni Reception: A large networking event for alumni. Alumni Summit: A two-day event to develop capacity while showcasing the work of our alumni through exhibits, panels, workshops, and speakers. Thematic meetups: A series of at least four engagements bringing together alumni in specific fields to build capacity, strengthen networks, and encourage them to collaborate across exchange program and age cohorts.